650 new homes in Newton Mearns given go-ahead

Plans for more than 65 homes in Newton Mearns given green light by East Renfrewshire Council.

A development which will deliver around 641 new homes in Newton Mearns at Maidenhill Farm in Scotland has been given the green light. The joint CALA Homes (West) and Taylor Wimpey West Scotland development is targeted for completion by 2019.

Included in the plans is an element of “intermediate” affordable housing, which will be distributed across the development as low cost private sale units. The balance of ‘intermediate’ affordable housing and ‘social rented’ affordable housing will be accommodated on dedicated serviced plots. These will be developed in the future by Registered Social Landlords and are subject to separate future planning applications. This will take the ultimate total number of new homes on site to 828 units. Other separate future planning applications are for a community religious facility, and a community primary school with play and sports facilities.

Concerns were raised around the existing sewer network, with the committee saying there must be a plan in place following the delivery of the first 400 homes to bring the system up to date and ready for the second phase of the development in conjunction with Scottish Water. All necessary checks were carried out on the developments drainage strategy in advance of the decision, with confirmation that the plan complies with its regulations as a Flood Prevention Authority.

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesman added: “As part of any planning application for a major development a drainage strategy report is prepared by a specialist hydrologist to outline how surface water run-off will be managed. The necessary checks are then carried out to ensure the proposed measures comply with the council’s requirements in our role as Flood Prevention Authority. Officers are satisfied the proposals put forward for Maidenhill, which includes the installation of drainage systems at four separate parts of the site, will control surface water run-off rates at the required level. This application was rigorously assessed by planning officers and was subsequently approved by elected members on the planning committee. In relation to the sewage system it is also important to stress that Scottish Water, which is responsible for the area’s drainage network, did not object to the planning application.”

Managing director of CALA Homes (West), Jim McIntyre, said: “We are excited to bring to life our vision for Maidenhill which has been carefully considered throughout this process. We are committed to creating a development that complements and becomes an extension to neighbouring communities whilst meeting the housing need in Newton Mearns at the same time.”